National tour for Elixer of Love

Dawn Renton

Tickets are now on sale for Scottish Opera’s new production of The Elixir of Love, Donizetti’s sunny comedy which tours to 17 venues around the country from September.

The Company’s music director, Stuart Stratford, conducts the first six performances of this lively opera. Derek Clark, Scottish Opera’s head of music, takes over on the remaining dates.

Young British director Oliver Platt and designer Oliver Townsend (Rodelinda 2013) take inspiration from the world of PG Wodehouse for their staging of The Elixir of Love which opens in Motherwell before travelling across the country taking in Stornoway, Ellon, Stirling, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Oban, St. Andrews, Perth, Galashiels and Musselburgh and many more.

Ellie Laugharne (The Pirates of Penzance 2013) takes on the role of Adina and is joined by Welsh tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas, winner of 2015’s Stuart Burrows International Voice Award, and acclaimed baritone James Cleverton.

Five players from The Orchestra of Scottish Opera will accompany the singers in a new instrumental arrangement by Derek Clark. Audiences can look forward to a decidedly tongue-in-cheek take on Donizetti’s lyrical score, highlights include ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ and Dulcamara’s patter songs.

Stuart Stratford said: “The Elixir of Love is full of fantastic melodies, a witty plot and it is shot through with a bolt of Italian sunshine which permeates all of the music.

“I am very excited to be conducting this new chamber realisation of the score arranged by our head of music Derek Clark, and can’t wait to visit the further reaches of our country to share this incredible piece with the people of Scotland.’